Treatments & Options - Uterine Artery Embolization
CPT code: still under review

Uterine artery embolization interrupts blood flow to the uterus. The lack if blood to the womb causes myomas to shrink, but leads to irreparable damage to many of the vessels. As a result, the patient's ability to have children is compromised. This procedure has gained great popularity over the last few years, but there are still many misconceptions about the safety and efficacy of such treatment.

• Myomectomy
• Ablation
• Myolysis
• Hysterectomy
• Drug Treatments
• Doing Nothing
• Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Tumors Treatment - Embolization

Uterine Artery Embolization For Larger Fibroids

The greatest benefit to embolization is that it is an option for women with large fibroids (still under 20 weeks) who prefer not to undergo the trauma of a hysterectomy. The problem is resolved without the need for major surgery. Recovery is shorter and the acute discomfort is somewhat lessened. Recovering from embolization is painful. At times, the discomfort extends over a prolonged period of time.

The biggest concern that a patient should have when contemplating embolization is that the procedure is still in the experimental stage. As a result, it is tricky and brings with it many possible complications. The most prevalent danger with this method is that, in blocking the blood supply to the uterus, the reproductive system is compromised. Many of the supportive arteries of the womb are permanently damaged, and contrary to what many patients are told, they will not be able to have children after the surgery. There is also a great risk of infection, and few fibroids respond to the treatment.

Post-operative symptoms are diverse and can be extreme. These include pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, pulmonary embolism, and infection. Another point of concern is that disrupting the flow in the uterine arteries may also impact the flow of blood to the ovaries. If this happens and the ovaries become inactive, a premature menopause is induced. This problem has not yet been resolved, and poses a great risk to the patient. Few patients are candidates for this procedure, and the long term results and effects are not yet known. This procedure is not covered by insurance.